Intelligent media reader and label printer

ABSTRACT

A library system having a reader and labeling device ( 200 ) for interrogating data storage cartridges of the type containing an in-built memory chip having information stored describing details of data contained on the data storage medium is disclosed. The reader-labeling device comprises a processor, random access memory, printer, display, keypad, operating system, transponder, receiver and battery power supply. Key parameters describing a data cartridge can be accessed quickly and efficiently without the need to access the data storage medium itself. A cartridge media specific label may be rapidly printed for attachment to a data storage cartridge. The reader-labeling device may be incorporated into an automatic library ( 201 ) accessible by a robotic arm ( 202 ), wherein the user may quickly read summary information describing a data storage cartridge or its contents from information stored on a memory attached to the cartridge by use of the reader-labeling device externally controlled.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to labelling of recording mediumcartridges of the type which include a memory device for storinginformation concerning the cartridge and data recorded on the recordedmedium, and particularly although not exclusively it relates to themanner of reading this information and using it to produce a printedlabel containing all of, or a selected subset of this information.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In order to store digital electronic data, such as back-up data from aserver computer device, it is known to use magnetic tape data storagecartridges comprising one or a pair of rotatable reels, and an elongateband of magnetic tape. A main reason for using such tape data storagecartridges is to make back up copies of important data. Customersrunning large computer installations, or research and developmentfacilities having significant amounts of data generated may havehundreds or thousands of tape data storage cartridges containing back updata, backed up from a wide range of different host devices such asservers and computer devices. Large collections of tape data storagecartridges tend to be stored in centralised library locations, sometimessituated in fire proof safes or fire proof rooms. The library storagefacility may be geographically remote from the host server devices, sothat if there is destruction of data on the host devices, for example bya fire, the back up data remains safe. When a host device fails and datais lost, it is necessary to quickly locate the tape cartridge having thelatest back up data, which may be located in an offsite library.

These libraries include manual access libraries, where the cartridgesare simply stored on shelves or in racks or boxes, with access to thecartridges being by manually picking up the cartridges, or automatedlibraries, where the cartridges are stored in predefined locations on arack or shelf and are automatically accessed. In a manual accesslibrary, to identify a content of a tape cartridge a person may simplywrite out a label manually, describing the content of the data on thetape cartridge. This process is tedious and prone to error. For examplethe wrong label might be put on the wrong tape, so that the contents ofthe label do not coincide with the data of the tape cartridge.Alternatively, tape cartridges have barcodes printed on their externalcases, so conventionally finding a particular tape may involve using abarcode scanner to scan a plurality of barcode labels on a plurality oftape cartridges. In the case of an automated library, robotic arms whichare software controlled, deposit and collect cartridges in a rack, orshelf, and use a serial number of a tape data storage cartridge todetermine a location within the library shelf or rack on which to storethe cartridge. The rack or shelf is accessible by the robotic arm whichmay physically select a required tape on receipt of user instructions,the robotic arm being moved under computer control to a cartridgestorage location on the rack or shelf.

Conventionally, a person wishing to find an item of stored data on acartridge will need firstly to identify the correct cartridge with thedata on it, and secondly identify a position of the data on the tapestored within the cartridge. In the case of single reel cartridges, thewhole of the magnetic tape is wound on to the single cartridge wheneverthe cartridge is not in a tape drive mechanism. To find a particularitem of data on a cartridge, a person must select the cartridge, put thecartridge into a conventional tape drive device, for example formingpart of a host personal computer, workstation or computerised testequipment device, and view a content of the tape on a visual displayunit forming part of the host computer, workstation or test equipmentdevice. There is a time lag incurred in winding and rewinding the tapeto identify a particular item of data.

A current industry trend in tape data storage media is to supply a solidstate transponder memory data storage device on or within a tapecartridge, on which can be stored information describing a data contentof the tape. Examples of the type of information stored include filename and type, customer information, system data backed-up, applicationand file space on the magnetic tape used or remaining. The informationstored on such a memory device is upgraded when the magnetic tape isaccessed using a known tape drive in a host computer having anintegrated driver and read-write device, controlled by software residenton the host device. Many different types of tape data storage cartridgeare used in system backup and the location of the transponder memorystorage device in relation to a casing of the tape cartridge variesbetween cartridge media types and is specific to the particularcartridge media type in each case.

To identify items of data stored on the tape cartridge, the memorydevice comprising part of the cartridge stores data as mentioned above,describing the file names, customer information, application and filespace remaining on the tape or used on the tape, and dates of storage offiles. A summary information describing the data items stored on thetape can be obtained by automatically interrogating the transpondermemory storage device in the cartridge, which is read by the tape drivedevice by inductive coupling to a transceiver chip forming part of thememory device, and which can be displayed on the visual display unit ofthe host device. Reading the content of the memory device involvesphysically picking up the data cartridge, putting the data cartridge inthe tape drive of the host device, operating a keypad or pointingdevice, for example a mouse or tracker ball, to select menu items froman application program on the host device, in order to identify theinformation describing the data content of the tape.

In order to print a label for the tape, this involves running anapplication stored on the host device, perhaps manually entering theinformation describing the data on the tape via a keyboard and/orpointing device and then printing out the label. A problem in printing alabel for the tape cartridge by this mechanism is the time taken toprint each label. For example, for a person wishing to find a particularitem of data in a library, the first time a person enters the library ona particular day, he may have to pick an unlabeled tape cartridge whichthe person thinks the data item may reside on, and in order to check thedata on the cartridge needs to turn on the host computer device, waitfor the host device to boot up and initialise, taking possibly a minuteor two, select the application required for reading the memory device onthe cartridge, again perhaps taking of the order of one or two minutes,and then read the data. If the data cartridge does not contain therequired data, then the person needs to remove the cartridge from thedrive, which may or may not involve a delay in the software controllingthe tape drive unit allowing the person to remove the tape, and thenselect a different tape from the shelf. For the second, subsequent tapecartridge inspected, the time delays will be shorter than inspecting thefirst data cartridge, since the host device does not need to be bootedup and initialised. However, there is still a significant delay ininterrogating the memory device on the cartridge through the applicationsoftware provided by the host device.

Having found the data cartridge containing the required data, in orderto print a label for attachment to the cartridge, the person needs tocall up the application software for printing the label, perhaps enterdetails describing the cartridge manually into the printing applicationsoftware, using a keyboard and/or pointing device and before printingmake sure that an attached printer device is turned on. In order to turnthe printing device on, the printing device may go through a printinitialisation routine, which in the case of an inkjet printer may takeseveral minutes if used for the first time on a particular day, andproviding there is sufficient print medium in the printer device, then alabel can be printed. However, since many printer devices use paper as aprint medium, it may be necessary to find and insert sheets of adhesivelabels into the printer in order to print out an adhesive label for thetape cartridge.

Therefore, conventionally it may take anything of the order of 10 to 15minutes to print a label for a data cartridge, including all the timedelays involved in booting up a host device and initialising a printer.Additionally, this assumes that a host computer device is available atthe location of the library, which it may not be, in which case anadditional delay is incurred in taking the tapes to the host device forthe data to be reloaded. Although the time delay taken to print a labelfor subsequent tape cartridges after the first will reduce percartridge, the cataloguing and identification of data stored on existinglegacy libraries of tape data storage cartridges is a time consumingprocess, whether the library is a manual access library, or an automatedlibrary having a robotic device for selected cartridges.

In all cases, in order to improve ease and accuracy of access to the usrequired data, a system for checking the data stored on a tape andlabeling the tape accurately will be of benefit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Specific embodiments and methods according to the present invention aimto improve the speed and accuracy of access of data contained on aplurality of data storage cartridges in a library of such cartridges.

The specific embodiments and methods disclosed herein aim to provideimproved protection against loss of data by providing a rapid andaccurate means of locating backed-up data required to restore lost datato a system.

Specific methods according to the present invention, recognise thatinformation contained on transponder memory devices in a data storagecartridge can be used to provide a rapid means of access to a data setwhich can be utilised to identify the cartridge and to produce acartridge label.

Conceptually, the specific embodiments of the invention aim to providean integrated printer with built-in radio frequency capability to readinformation stored on a memory device integrated into a data storagemedium cartridge casing which automatically prints the information readfrom the memory device in a preformatted user-readable form on a labelsuited to the specific cartridge casing type.

According to first aspect of the present invention there is provided anautomatic library device for storing a plurality of cartridge type datastorage devices each having a casing containing a high capacity datastorage medium, and having a programmable memory device attached to saidcasing, said programmable memory device storing data describing saiddata storage device, said library device comprising:

a rack storage means having a plurality of receptacles for storing saidplurality of said data storage devices;

an automatic selection means operable to select, retrieve and replacesaid data storage devices from said rack; and

a reader device capable of reading a data content stored on a saidprogrammable memory device, wherein said selection means is configuredto present a said data storage medium to said reader device, said readerdevice being configured to read data signals from said programmablememory device, of said data storage device, and print said read dataonto a print medium.

Preferably said reader device comprises a port configured to accept saidcartridge type data storage device, and a printer device located in saidport, said printer configured to print directly to a said data storagedevice when said data storage device is inserted in said port.

Said reader device may comprise:

a receiver means capable of receiving data signals from a saidprogrammable memory of a said data storage device; and

an interface means, arranged for interfacing with said processor forcommunicating said data signals to an external processor device.

Said reader device may comprise:

an interface means, arranged for interfacing with said processor forcommunicating said data signals to an external processor device, suchthat inspection of information contained in data read from saidprogrammable memory device of said data storage device can be accessedon said external processor device via said interface.

The library device may further comprise:

a read only memory means storing an operating system or operating saidprocessor to display said data items received from said received means;and

a display device arranged to display said data items read from saidprogrammable memory device.

The library device may comprise a means for emitting a power signal tosaid data storage device, said power signal emitting means located inclose proximity to said cartridge port, for supply of power to saidprogrammable memory device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provideda method of labeling a data storage device with information stored on aprogrammable memory device positioned externally on a casing of saiddata storage device, said method comprising the steps of:

placing said data storage device in a port of a reader device capable ofreading data signals describing a data content stored on saidprogrammable memory of said data storage device;

polling a detector device located in said port of said reader device fordetecting said signals;

receiving said data signals describing a predetermined stored set ofparameters concerning said data storage device;

storing said data signals in a memory device of said reader device; and

printing said predetermined set of data items on an area having a sizeand shape which fits on said data storage device.

Said step of printing said predetermined set of data items may compriseprinting said predetermined set of data items on a label of a size andshape suitable for direct attachment to said data storage device.

Said step of printing may comprise printing said data items directlyonto a cartridge of said data storage device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same maybe carried into effect, there will now be described by way of exampleonly, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to thepresent invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tape data storage cartridge having anembedded read/write memory accessible by means of a transponder unitwithin the cartridge, as is known in the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a partially schematic and partially perspective view of aninstallation of a second data storage media reader and labeling devicein an automated data storage medium library having a rack and shelfarrangement accessible by a computer controlled robotic arm, accordingto a specific embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the reader and labeling deviceillustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a control process performed by the readerand labeling device of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 5A to 5G are illustrations of displays of predetermined selecteddata items read from the data storage cartridge of FIG. 1, and whichappear on the display screen of the reader-printer device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an exemplary layout of a label printed bythe read and labeling device of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second read and labeling device usedin stand alone context in a casing having a power supply.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST M D FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

There will now be described by way of example the best mode contemplatedby the inventors for carrying out the invention. In the followingdescription numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparenthowever, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may bepraised without limitation to these specific details. In otherinstances, well known methods and structures have not been described indetail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

In order to remove errors in cartridge labeling and to improve the speedof labeling, a media-dependent labeling system is envisaged which isspecific to a particular type or design of data storage media device.This uses information contained on a memory device located in the datastorage cartridge (the media) to produce a printed cartridge label,where the label attributes can be selected by or the user. This systemenables cartridge data to be assessed and the cartridge to be labelledwithout having to access the data stored on the magnetic tape and henceavoiding the use of a tape driver of a host device. As a result, theinformation concerning data contained in the cartridge can be assessedrapidly. By integrating a means of reading the information contained onthe cartridge memory device with a means of printing this informationeither directly to a pre-labelled cartridge or to a blank label allwithin one device, cartridge labels may be updated accurately andrapidly.

Labeling of a data storage device need not occur at a time when data isrecorded on the data storage medium, but labeling can occurretrospectively, and away from a host device having a tape drivemechanism.

Additionally, the device may support multiple language sets and fontsfor versatility in user readout. This will allow for versatility andaccuracy in user access to cartridge data.

Specific methods according to the present invention described herein areconcerned with the reading of data from solid state memory deviceslocated on data storage devices and writing this data to a memory areaand the selection of data from this memory area for display andprinting.

In one embodiment, a media reader and printer device may be incorporatedinto a standard 5.25 inch device slot

Referring to FIG. 1 herein, there is illustrated schematically aconventional prior art tape data storage cartridge device comprising acartridge casing 100, containing one or a pair of reels on which iswound an elongate band of magnetic tape, comprising a high capacity datastorage medium on which data may be recorded from a host device such asa computer server device, a personal computer, a workstation, or acomputer controlled test instrument. The cartridge contains a solidstate programmable memory device 101 within the cartridge casing 100,the memory device comprising a transponder unit, and a read/writememory, which can be written to or read via the transponder unit, whichcan be inductively powered by an RF signal generated by a transmitterplaced immediately adjacent the cartridge casing, as is known in theart. The height, width, and length dimensions of the cartridge casing100 and the general layout of the casing, including the positioning ofthe memory device 101 within the casing, are specific to the particulartype and design of tape data storage cartridge. That is to say thelayout of the cartridge is media specific.

Information about the cartridge and the data stored on the cartridge canbe stored in the memory device 101. The data stored may include datadescribing file names of data on the tape, data describing customerinformation, data describing an application stored on the tape, datadescribing an amount of unused memory space remaining on the tape, anddates upon which files were stored.

Referring to FIG. 2 herein there is illustrated schematically a specificembodiment of cartridge reader and labeling device 200 installed in situin an automated data storage cartridge library comprising a shelf orrack 201, having a plurality of locations for storing a plurality oftape data storage cartridges; an automatic robotic arm 202 operable toselect and access individual tape data storage cartridges, the roboticarm 202 travelling along a substantially linear track 203, the armcapable of moving in vertical and first and second lateral directionsand being capable of removing tape cartridges from their location,physically transporting them to reader and labeling device 200,inserting and extracting the cartridges from the reader and labelingdevice 200 and returning them to their storage locations. The secondreader and labelling device interfaces with an external computer 204having a processor, and/or an external printer 205.

Referring to FIG. 3 herein, there is illustrated schematically ingreater detail the reader-labelling device 200. The reader-labellingdevice comprises a casing 300 suitable for fitting into, a 5.25 inchstandard computer casing port, having power supply terminals andinterface terminals at a rear of the casing (interface terminal notshown), the interface terminal comprising a standard computer peripheralport, on a front face of the casing 300 there being provided a cartridgeport 301 for accepting a tape data storage cartridge, in a manner suchthat the tape data storage cartridge when inserted into the port mayhave a remaining portion projecting and extending out of the port,allowing the robotic arm to grasp the cartridge for insertion andremoval from the port; optionally, a display device 302, and a keypadentry device 303; a processor, a programmable memory area; a controlinterface; a read only memory (ROM) containing an operating system; andan interface for interfacing with external computer 204 and externalprinter 205. When installed in rack 201, the reader-labelling device maybe controlled and accessed externally from the external processor ofcomputer 204 via the interface. The interface provides an external meansof user input when the reader device is incorporated in a 5.25 inchdevice slot thus forming an integrated part of a larger system. Thisform of user input precludes the use of the optional casing mountedkeypad 303 for inputting commands or the casing mounted display screen302 for outputting status. The optionally provided display device 302and keypad entry device 303 may be used for manual operation of thereader device, for inspection of a tape cartridge as an override toautomatic reading and inspection of the tape cartridge information.

The processor of reader 200 has a relatively small amount of separatememory of the order of 1 MByte or less, and is limited practically bythe smallest size of memory chip commercially available. Alternatively,the processor may be constructed integrally with memory area on a samechip, for example a known Power PC® chip. In the best mode, to achievecompact size and ease of manufacture, the components are as integratedas possible with the processor, and preferably include a built-inoperating system in read only memory ROM, on a same chip as theprocessor.

An aerial and receiver are used to receive data from the memory device101 of the cartridge 100 which uses an electrically erasableprogrammable read only memory (EEPROM) as read/write memory area. Withthe data storage cartridge 100 inserted in the reader device, 200 theaerial, of the memory device 101 forms a contactless interface with theaerial of the reader device using an inductive coupling scheme using amagnetic field to transmit data to the receiver of reader device 200. Inthe best mode, the protocol used to transmit information by theinductive coupling scheme is known as the MIFARE® system developed byPhillips/Mikron of the type presently employed in “Smart” credit cardtechnology for use in personal banking applications and which is knownin the art. Advantages and features of this system as used by the firstembodiment include a high reliability, an operating frequency of 13.56MHz, and an anti-collision protocol, which provides an ability to handleseveral trasponders in close proximity without interference.

The aerial of the reader and labeling device 200 is positioned such thatwhen a tape cartridge 100 having an aerial is positioned in thecartridge receiving port 301 of the reader device 200, the two aerialsare positioned a distance less than or equal to 20 mm from each other,so that inductive coupling can occur between the two aerials. Over sucha range this yields coupling factors between aerials of the order 1 to10% and transmission speeds of the order 100 Kbps between the aerials.The receiver of the reader and labeling device 200 transmits aninductive signal which is received by the transponder of the tapecartridge 100, and which powers the transponder associated with memorystorage device 101 in the tape cartridge, such that the transponder isable to emit signals describing the content of the memory storage device101 across an air gap between the two aerials, which is received byreceiver. Alternatively, transmission of data signals between the memorydevice 101 and the reader-labeling device 200 may be within theinfra-red range of frequencies.

Data read from the memory device 101 in this manner is written via theprocessor of reader and labeling device 200 to programmable randomaccess memory of device 200, (RAM), where a copy of all read data ismaintained. Data stored in the RAM is displayed on the display screen302 or is accessed via the external processor of computer 204 using thecontrol interface of device 200.

Writeable, erasable and re-writeable labels may be directly provided onthe tape data storage cartridges 100 as supplied. Within casing 300,there is provided an internal printing device, which is configured forprinting directly onto a label on a tape data storage cartridge, whilethe tape data storage cartridge 100 is located within the port 301.

Referring to FIG. 4 herein, a first mode of operation of thereader-labeling device within the context of the automatic librarysystem is now described. In use, the reader device 200 may beinaccessible to a user. The robotic arm 202 may be controlled by its owndedicated control systems to select and access a tape cartridge 100 froma receptacle of rack 201, as is conventionally known in the prior art.However, in the first mode of operation, the act of the robotic arm 202placing a tape data storage cartridge 201 into the cartridge slot orport 301 of cartridge reader 200 activates a sensor internal to thecartridge receiving slot of the card reader which generates a signal toinitiate a series of steps for printing label information directly to awriteable label portion of the tape data storage cartridge. Theprocessor in reader 200 operates a series of control steps 400 to 406. Afirst mode of operation will now be described. The robot arm places atape data cartridge 100 into the receiving port 301 of the reader andlabeling device 200, thereby locating the cartridge firmly in the devicein a position where the transponder memory device of the cartridge liesin close physical proximity to the aerial and receiver of the reader andlabeling device. The processor under control of operating system storedin the ROM of device 200 operates in an initial state 400, from whichthe cartridge port is periodically polled in step 401. All transponderswithin the operating range return a 10 byte alpha-numeric serial number.If no memory device 100 is detected in the port 301 in step 402, thecartridge port is presumed empty, and the processor of device 200 idlesthrough the initial state, and continues to poll the cartridge port instep 401. The cartridge slot 301 is presumed empty if no serial numberis returned. Consequently an external detector device incorporated inthe cartridge port 301 of the reader device 200 may be polled in step403 to check whether a cartridge is inserted into the port. If nocartridge is detected, the processor of device 200 returns to initialstate 400, continuously polling the cartridge slot in step 401 and/orpolling the detector in step 403. If a memory 100 device is detected inslot 301 in steps 403 or 401, the processor of reader 200 enters amemory device detected state 404 from which the processor reads datareceived by the receiver via the aerial. The receiver continuouslytransmits power to the transponder in the tape cartridge in order tocause the transponder to transmit through the aerial signals containingdata concerning the information stored on the read/write memory device100. Transmission of the power across the air gap by the aerial may bedependent upon the sensor within the reader and labeling device casingbeing activated by insertion of a tape data storage cartridge.

In step 406, data read from the memory device 100 through the receiveris directed by the processor of device 200 into the random access memoryof device 200. Data can be selected from the random access memory instep 407 for display on the display 302 of device 200 in step 409.Display of data from the RAM is accessed through operation of a menusystem in step 410. Initially, predetermined data, for example a serialnumber of the cartridge which has been read from the memory device isdisplayed on the display device 302.

Referring to FIGS. 5 herein, there are shown displays which may occur onthe display 302 of the reader labeling device 200 in the first mode ofoperation. Referring to FIG. 5A herein, there is illustratedschematically an example of information displayed on a display device302, the information comprising a serial number of a tape cartridge.Upper and lower scroll icons 500, 501 may appear on the display, givinga visual indication to the operator that to access further items ofdata, the upper and lower scroll buttons of the keypad 303 need to beactivated. In step 410 a user may enter keypad entries, for examplepressing a scroll button which scrolls through display items asillustrated in FIGS. 5B to 5G herein under control of the operatingsystem stored in the ROM of the reader labeling device 200, in the menusystem. The operating system stored in the ROM is specificallyconfigured from a knowledge of the format and layout of the informationitems stored as data in the memory device of the cartridge. By scrollingthrough the menu, by operating the keypad scroll buttons, display of theserial number of the tape, the date the tape was last used, an amount ofmemory remaining on the tape, names of back up sessions stored on thetape e.g. “Full Backup Monday Mar. 8, 1998”, a number of times the tapehas been used, a number of errors on the tape and an option to print alabel containing a predetermined set of information items describingdata stored on the tape may be accessed. If, in response to a ‘printlabel’ display as illustrated in FIG. 5G, a key on the keypad 303 ispressed, then in step 409, the processor sends a signal to the printer,along with signals describing the information to be printed on thelabel, which activates the printer to print a label. The labelcharacteristics may be determined by user input via the menu system 409.Characteristics include a chosen language set, font size and type, andin this way allow the user to customise the label as necessary. In step407, data is selected from random access memory, and is directly printedto a writeable medium on the tape data cartridge in step 408. Printingis direct to the cartridge and printing may be activated by a sensortriggered on insertion of the tape cartridge to the cartridge port.

In a second, automated mode of operation, an external computer device204 comprising external processor external display, external keypad anddata entry device, e.g. a pointing device or mouse, and an externalprinter 205 may be used to access the information stored on the memorydevice, externally of the automatic library. For example a PC, laptop orpalmtop device connected to a device 205 may be used. In step 412, auser enters details on an external keypad, whilst viewing menu itemsdisplayed on the external display in step 413, which are transmittedfrom the reader-labeling device menu system via the interface through aseries of control interface steps 414. By activating keys on theexternal keypad, the user may activate an external print operation 415of external printer 205 to print a label for the cartridge.Alternatively, printing need not be activated, but a user mayautomatically view information contained on the tape cartridges via theexternal computer device, e.g. palmtop or laptop computer, whichdisplays menu items on its screen.

Operation in the third mode is substantially similar as described hereinabove to the second mode, except when printing a label in step 415, theprinter device within the casing 300 is activated externally via theinterface in step 414, by viewing an external display 413 and activatingkeys in step 412 from an external keypad, such that the data to beprinted on the label may be viewed externally by a user on the externalcomputer device, and printing, once activated by a user externally ofthe reader device 200, takes place internally of the reader device 200and directly onto the cartridge within the port 401.

An example of a printed label is illustrated in FIG. 6 herein. Thepredetermined set of information items may be selected from the set: aserial number of the tape; a date the tape was last used; an amount ofmemory space remaining on the tape; a file name of a first file on thetape; a file name of the last file on the tape, a name of a back upsession stored on the tape. This list of predetermined selectedinformation items is exemplary, and not exhaustive, and the exactinformation items which are printed on the label depend upon the exactinformation items which are stored on the memory on the cartridge tape,which are specific to the particular media format of the tape cartridgeand reader-labelling device, as will be understood by those skilled inthe art.

Referring to FIG. 7, in a variation of the second specific embodiment,the reader-labelling device may be adapted, such that it can be removedfrom a standard 5.25 inch port contained within the automatic library,and a custom made casing 700, e.g. a plastics moulding having anin-built power supply may be provided such that the reader-labellingdevice can be removed from the automated library, inserted into thecasing 700, from which it obtains power, and be used as a stand alonereader-labeling device for printing labels from data storage cartridgeswhich are manually inserted into port 301.

The power supply in-built to the casing may comprise a bay forcontaining a plurality of conventional dry cell batteries, giving forexample a 12v power supply, enabling stand alone operation.Alternatively, the power supply may comprise a rechargeable batteryin-built into the casing. In a further option, the power supply maycomprise a transformer and voltage reducer built into the casing andconnectable to an external mains supply by a conventional mains supplylead and connector. A conventional connector at the rear of the secondembodiment reader-labeling device may connect with the power supplywithin the casing, on inserting the reader-labelling device into thecasing in a sliding location operation.

Operation in stand alone mode is by user simply inserting a data storagecartridge directly into the reader-labelling device, which automaticallyreads data on the transponder device, and prints a pre-determined set ofdata onto a print media directly attached to the data storage cartridge.The print media may comprise a pre-manufactured area comprising part ofa plastics cartridge case, suitable for direct printing thereon, oralternatively a user may manually stick an adhesive paper label onto theprinter cartridge prior to inserting into the reader-labelling device,the printer printing directly to the label attached to the datacartridge.

What is claimed is:
 1. An automatic library device for storing aplurality of cartridge data storage devices, each having a casingincluding a high capacity data storage medium, and having a programmablememory attached to said casing, said programmable memory being adaptedto store data signals describing said data storage device, said librarydevice comprising: a plurality of receptacles for storing said pluralityof said cartridge data storage devices; an automatic selector operableto select, retrieve and replace said cartridge data storage devices fromsaid receptacles; and a reader for transducing data vis a vis the highcapacity medium of the cartridge devices, said selector being configuredto selectively load one of the cartridges in said reader, said readerbeing configured to read the data signals from said programmable memoryof the cartridge loaded in the reader and print indications derived fromsaid data signals.
 2. The library device as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid reader comprises a port configured to accept said cartridge typedata storage device, and a printer located in said port, said printerbeing configured to print the indications derived from the data signaldirectly to said data storage device when said data storage device isinserted in said port.
 3. The library device as claimed in claim 1,wherein said reader comprises: a receiver capable of receiving datasignals from said programmable memory of said data storage device; andan interface for interfacing with a processor for communicating saiddata signals to an external processor device.
 4. The library device asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said reader device comprises: an interfacefor interfacing with a processor for communicating said data signals toan external processor device, such that information included in dataread from said programmable memory of said data storage device can beaccessed by said external processor device via said interface.
 5. Thelibrary device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a read onlymemory storing an operating system for operating a processor to displaysaid data items received from a receiver of the data items; and adisplay arranged to display said data items read from said programmablememory-via the receiver.
 6. The library device as claimed in claim 1,further comprising a power source for supplying power to said datastorage device, said power source being located in close proximity tosaid cartridge port for supplying power to said programmable memory. 7.The library device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the instrumentincludes a magnetic tape.
 8. A method of labeling a data storage devicecarrying a large capacity memory medium and a small capacityprogrammable memory positioned on the exterior of a casing of the datastorage device, the programmable memory storing data signals describinginformation about the data storage device, the method comprising thesteps of: placing said data storage device in a port of a reader capableof reading the data signals; reading the data signals while the datastorage device is in the port; polling a detector of said read datasignals; receiving said data signals; storing said data signals in amemory of said reader, and responding to the data signals stored in thememory of the reader by printing the information in such a way that theprinted information can be put on said data storage device.
 9. Themethod as claimed in claim 8, wherein said step of printing includesprinting said predetermined set of data items on a label having a sizeand shape suitable for direct attachment to said data storage device,and thereafter applying said label to a cartridge of the data storagedevice.
 10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein said step ofprinting comprises printing said predetermined set of data itemsdirectly onto a cartridge of said data storage device.
 11. The method asclaimed in claim 8, wherein the storage device includes a magnetic tape.12. A method of obtaining information about a high-capacity data storagemedium carried by a cartridge having a low capacity memory, theinformation being obtained without reading the high capacity datastorage medium, the method comprising loading signals indicative of theinformation into the low capacity memory, subsequently loading thecartridge into a reader including a first transducer for the highcapacity data storage medium and a second transducer for the lowcapacity memory, reading the signals indicative of the informationstored in the low capacity memory by using the second transducer, andresponding to the signals read by the second transducer indicative ofthe information stored in the low capacity memory by applying to thecartridge exterior human readable material commensurate with theinformation stored in the low capacity memory.
 13. The method as claimedin claim 12, wherein the medium includes a magnetic tape.